Jonathan Ross quits BBC

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I can’t pretend to be upset that Jonathan Ross has announced that he’s leaving the BBC, as I’ve never rated him, either as a film reviewer or a chat show host. His tendency to fawn lecherously over his female guests and his obvious lack of interest in anyone who’s not one of his showbiz mates makes his show excruciating to watch. As many have said, his act – which is based on being rude to or about people – was severely compromised after his return from exile and new BBC guidelines.

My bet is that he’s off to try to make it in the USA.

The good news is that the weight of public opinion seems to demand that Mark Kermode is brought in to replace him on Film 2010. I might watch it for the first time in 10 years if he does.

Graham Norton, who has signed a new two-year deal with the corporation, has been tipped to take over his BBC1 chatshow, while BBC Radio 5 Live film pundit Mark Kermode appears to be a ready-made replacement for Ross's BBC1 film review show.